Dubrovnik and Barcelona implement strategies to mitigate over tourism: What you need to know?

Published on January 29, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Over tourism has become a pressing concern in popular European destinations, leading cities like Dubrovnik and Barcelona to implement measures aimed at mitigating its adverse effects.

Dubrovnik’s Initiatives

Dubrovnik, renowned for its historic Old Town, has faced significant challenges due to the influx of tourists.

In response, the city has taken several steps:

• Cruise Ship Regulations: The city has limited the number of cruise ships docking daily to two, with each ship’s stay extended to a minimum of eight hours. This approach aims to reduce crowding and distribute tourist presence more evenly throughout the day.
• Tourist Bus Management: A web-based platform has been introduced to regulate the arrival of tourist buses, thereby minimizing congestion in key areas.
• Urban Space Optimization: The city reduced outdoor restaurant seating by 30% to reclaim public spaces for residents and alleviate pedestrian congestion.

These measures have reportedly enhanced the quality of life for residents and improved the overall tourist experience.

Barcelona’s Strategies

Barcelona has also enacted policies to address overtourism:

• Short-Term Rental Restrictions: The city plans to phase out all short-term tourist apartments by 2028, aiming to increase housing availability for residents and control rental prices.
• Tourist Tax Adjustments: An increase in the tourist tax, particularly targeting cruise passengers who stay in the city for less than 12 hours, has been proposed to manage the flow of short-term visitors.
• Public Space Management: In areas like Park Güell, measures have been implemented to control visitor numbers, including requiring advance bookings, to prevent overcrowding and preserve the site’s integrity.

These initiatives reflect a broader effort to balance tourism with the needs of local communities, ensuring sustainable development and preserving cultural heritage.